Chiefs Vs Rams: Key Matchups

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The Kansas City Chiefs are set to host the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday. Kansas City looks primed to be one of the top Super Bowl contenders, once again. Meanwhile, the Rams have fallen from grace as defending Super Bowl champions, sitting with a record of 3-7. It is also uncertain who may be healthy enough to play in this game. Los Angeles may have to place quarterback Matthew Stafford back into concussion protocol. Whereas with the Chiefs, Kansas City was down many offensive skill players by the end of last week’s victory.

Which position battles could have the greatest impact on Sunday’s outcome between the Chiefs and the Rams? Today, we will list four key matchups that we have our eyes on entering the contest between Kansas City and Los Angeles. Let’s kick it off.

Pacheco Vs Rams Front Seven

Over the last two weeks, Isiah Pacheco has given the Chiefs a noticeable spark in the running game. He hits the hole harder than any other running back on the roster. On top of that, Kansas City has benefitted greatly by the mix of vision and patience that Pacheco provides. His speed and change of direction skills at his size are also rare, to boot. There will still be limited opportunities in a pass-heavy offense. Nevertheless, Pacheco has commanded the attention of opposing defenses, because of his versatile skill set.

It has not been a great year for the Los Angeles Rams defense. Yet, the run defense has been fairly strong most of the season. Los Angeles ranks in the top eight in rushing yards allowed, rushing touchdowns allowed and yards per carry allowed. The defensive tackle duo of Aaron Donald and Greg Gaines will be stiff tests for Kansas City, when it comes to leverage battles. At inside linebacker, Bobby Wagner and Ernest Jones both offer incredible instincts and range. This is a pair who could match the physicality of Pacheco, if it comes down to it.

Akers And Williams Vs Bolton, Gay And Chenal

Somewhat surprisingly, the Rams waived running back Darrell Henderson yesterday. He started most of their games this season. As a result, LA will roll heavily with Cam Akers and rookie Kyren Williams. Akers has had a puzzling season, overall. From wanting to be traded from the Rams, to clearing things up with the coaching staff, he somehow has seen an increase in snaps. The rookie from Notre Dame is a breath of fresh air, however. Williams can win with long speed, elusiveness and broken tackle ability.

Nick Bolton and Willie Gay have been handling some challenging running back tests quite admirably, lately. Both linebackers have been rather impressive in tight areas. Additionally, Bolton and Gay have been successful at limiting missed tackles in space, something that has occasionally popped up for other Chiefs defenders. Finally, rookie linebacker Leo Chenal has seen a slight bump in opportunities. He has sprinkled in some needed energy against the run in recent games. Kansas City may have to be prepared for a heavy dose of the running game, due to possible injuries at the Rams’ quarterback position.

Chiefs Offensive Line Vs Rams Pass Rush

Kansas City’s offensive line has largely done well over the last month, outside of some moments against the Tennessee Titans. The Chiefs have displayed tremendous communication and timing upfront as well. Generally, Kansas City can match the power and nastiness of opposing pass rushes. It is the recent success with movement skills that have really shined for this Chiefs blocking unit, though.

On the flip side, the Rams offer a wide array of ways in which they rush the passer. Leonard Floyd can win with speed off of the edge, something that has hindered the Chiefs this season. He does a good job of flattening his angles and can squeeze through tight spaces almost effortlessly. Meanwhile, Terrell Lewis has grown into a solid contributor as a defensive end/outside linebacker. His bread and butter appears to come when converting speed to power. Of course, the aforementioned Donald and Gaines can provide the necessary length and swift hands to overpower any offensive lineman.

Rams Wide Receivers Vs Chiefs Secondary

If Matthew Stafford or John Wolford cannot go on Sunday due to injuries, it will likely be Bryce Perkins at quarterback. Perkins is a former undrafted free agent, who dazzled in college at Virginia. This player is known largely for his rushing ability and play outside of the pocket. But in reality, it could be up to his arm to keep the Rams in this game. Can he make the necessary reads and anticipate coverages against the Kansas City Chiefs defense?

It will be up to the Los Angeles wide receivers to make Perkins comfortable. With Cooper Kupp shelved with an injury, names like Allen Robinson, Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek may get the bulk of the targets. We did see Tutu Atwell have a decent showing last week, however. Will this group be able to handle and separate against the length, feistiness and man coverage of the Chiefs secondary? Kansas City may be looking to provide extra wrinkles, too, after allowing some long catches last game.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.